21 internet fraudsters jailed in Ibadan after pleading guilty to EFCC charges, with sentences ranging from fines to prison terms

21 internet fraudsters jailed in Ibadan have been convicted and sentenced by various courts in Oyo State after pleading guilty to charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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The suspects faced separate one-count charges bordering on advance fee fraud, impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, and possession of fraudulent documents.

They were arraigned before Justices Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, and Justices O.S. Adeyemi, Ladiran Akintola, R.B. Olawoyin, O.S. Adeniyi, O.A. Adetujoye, M.O. Ishola and Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court.

Among the convicts are Waheed Hamid Aromose, Aliu Abayomi Victor, Ugbe Emmanuel Ukali, Ajewole Segun Abraham, Abeeb Ridwan Bidemi, Kolawole Oreoluwa Johnson, Olorunyomi Sina Ayo, Ajewole Ojo Kayode and Adewale Adetola Adedotun.

Others include Olatunji Waliu Adegbaro, Shodeinde Joshua Adeyemi, Adeoye Bayo Lanre, Taufeek Rafiu Olamide, Adegbite Oluwaseyi Damilare, Hamzat Qowiyu Ajibola, Ayorinde Festus Morakinyo, Damilola Moore Ayomide, Ayinde Oluwaseun Ridwan, Ogunsami Farouk Adeyinka, Sheriff Funso Oparinde and Adewale Bolaji Al-Ameen.

The EFCC revealed that the fraudsters engaged in impersonation schemes, often posing as foreigners online to defraud unsuspecting victims. In one case, Adewale Bolaji Al-Ameen posed as “Joshua Smith” from the United States to deceive a victim via Instagram.

Sentences handed down ranged from one week of community service to five years imprisonment, with some convicts given options of fines.

Justice Adeniyi sentenced Adeoye Bayo Lanre to five years imprisonment and Taufeek Rafiu Olamide to two years, both without an option of fine.

Justice Akintola sentenced Ajewole Kayode, Adedotun Adewale and Oparinde Sheriff to one year each, with fines ranging between N50,000 and N60,000.

Several convicts also forfeited vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz GLK 2015 and Toyota Camry cars, along with laptops, phones and funds traced to their fraudulent activities.

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The EFCC said the convictions followed credible intelligence that led to their arrest by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate. The commission maintained that the sentences underscore its commitment to tackling cybercrime across the country.